A new study from the Institute for Demographics in Basel has revealed which of the 10 largest cities in Switzerland have the youngest and oldest populations. As the rest of the country continues to age, migration and the pull of universities mean that the average age in many cities has fallen in recent years.

Populations of Swiss cities are getting younger on average

According to the report, while the median age of people in Switzerland has risen by 0,7 years between 2013 and 2022, five of the 10 largest cities have younger populations now compared to 11 years ago. The median age of those in Basel has dropped the most (-0,9 years), followed by Bern (-0,6), Zurich (-0,4) and Lucerne (-0,3).

In all, the study found that Lausanne is the youngest city in Switzerland with a median age of 37,6 years, 8,3 years younger than the national median (45,9 years). This is despite the median age of residents in the capital of Vaud having risen by 0,4 years since 2013. The other "youngest cities in Switzerland" include Zurich ( average age 38,4), St. Gallen (39,2) and Winterthur (39,3).

By contrast, Lugano is the oldest city in Switzerland with a median age of 47,1 years. In addition, between 2013 and 2022, the median age of residents in Ticino’s largest city has risen the most, by 2,6 years.

10 largest cities in Switzerland ranked by median age

In all here are the 10 largest cities in Switzerland, ranked by median age:

• 1. Lausanne (37,6)
• 2. Zurich (38,4)
• 3. St. Gallen (39,2)
• 4. Winterthur (39,3)
• 5. Bern (39,7)
• 6. Geneva (40,5)
• 7. Lucerne (40,9)
• 8. Basel (41,5)
• 9. Biel / Bienne (41,5)
• 10. Lugano (47,1)

Why are some Swiss cities getting younger?

The report explained that the reason why Lausanne, Zurich and St. Gallen are so youthful - and why Basel is getting younger so quickly - is threefold. First, they are home to some of the most attractive jobs in Switzerland, especially when it comes to salaries.

As there are not enough domestic workers to fill positions, international companies and domestic Swiss businesses look abroad to fill roles. These new arrivals are typically younger and help bring the median age of city residents down. Also, as many are of childbearing age, the birth rates in these cities are higher, further bringing average ages down and pushing life expectancy up.

Finally, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel and St. Gallen are home to major universities. Alongside studying in the cities, many young graduates choose to remain, making the lower median age permanent.

Why is Lugano the "oldest" in Switzerland?

These developments are in contrast to Lugano, which has seen its population decline every year since 2015. The report noted that many who grow up in Ticino choose to study and work outside the canton, and the expat workers that Lugano does attract typically live cross-border in Italy, meaning they do not reduce the median age of Lugano in the statistics.